Aruba’s coat of arms was established on November 15, 1955, and was put together by the voor Heraldische Kunst Atelier. This coat of arms was later on adapted and observed as a symbol for Aruba. These are the constituting elements:Aloe resembles a horn of plenty in Aruba. The mountain stands for the country’s highest peak above sea level. The handshake symbolizes the friendly ties between Aruba and other nations and people, both in political and economic terms. The rigging comes to represent the industry. The cross in the middle stands for devotion and faith. The lion in a sitting position atop the coat of arms means power and kindness. And finally, the laurel leaves represent peace and friendship.
Aruba Dushi Tera" is a waltz composed by Juan Chabaya 'Padu' Lampe (lyrics) and Rufo Wever (music). Aruba Precious Country Aruba patria aprecia nos cuna venera chikito y simpel bo por ta pero si respeta. Refran: O, Aruba, dushi tera nos baranca tan stima nos amor p’abo t’asina grandi cu n’tin nada pa kibre (bis) Bo playanan tan admira cu palma tu dorna bo escudo y bandera ta orgullo di nos tur! Refran Grandeza di bo pueblo ta su gran cordialidad cu Dios por guia y conserva su amor pa libertad! Refran Aruba beloved home our venerated cradle though small and simple you may be you are indeed esteemed. Refrain: Aruba our dear country our rock so well beloved our love for you is so strong that nothing can destroy it. (repeat) Your beaches so much admired with palm trees all adorned your coat of arms and flag the symbols of our pride. Refrain The greatness of our people is their great cordiality and may God guide and preserve its love for freedom. Refrain
The Parranda is known as dandara in papiamento. This word means to revel in something, to have a good time. The dande celebration kicked off way back in 1880 after King William III declared the emancipation of all slaves as free men.The dande is generally executed by 5-to-6-person groups –though they may be even larger sometimes. They are accompanied by singers who trek door-to-door, especially calling on friends and relatives, to wish them a very happy new year. The musical instruments used during the parranda are fiddles, drums, guitars and wicharos or wiris (sort of a metal grater). These are the key instruments, yet some groups also play accordions. Currently, most districts sport dande groups of their own that play on till January 2. As singers call on different houses, they collect money in their hats. That money is later given away as part of their appreciation as a band. The song's rhythm is humdrum and there's no variation whatsoever in pitch. For instance, after the fifth or sixth stanza, that chorus is repeated time a time again. After each chorus, singers reply ai nobe (new year).Today, some people still believe that if no dande group calls on them on New Year's Day, they'll be jinxed with bad luck all year long. Other sustain that burning slices of rump when the dande group leaves is good to make that moment even more solemn. Besides dande, there are other traditions and superstitions. Around 11.30 on December 31, the “mother” of the house usually sweeps the whole residence –never mind it's clean or filthy- in order to cast away the old spirits. The Parranda is known as dandara in papiamento. This word means to revel in something, to have a good time. The dande celebration kicked off way back in 1880 after King William III declared the emancipation of all slaves as free men.The dande is generally executed by 5-to-6-person groups –though they may be even larger sometimes. They are accompanied by singers who trek door-to-door, especially calling on friends and relatives, to wish them a very happy new year. The musical instruments used during the parranda are fiddles, drums, guitars and wicharos or wiris (sort of a metal grater). These are the key instruments, yet some groups also play accordions. Currently, most districts sport dande groups of their own that play on till January 2. As singers call on different houses, they collect money in their hats. That money is later given away as part of their appreciation as a band. The song's rhythm is humdrum and there's no variation whatsoever in pitch. For instance, after the fifth or sixth stanza, that chorus is repeated time a time again. After each chorus, singers reply ai nobe (new year).Today, some people still believe that if no dande group calls on them on New Year's Day, they'll be jinxed with bad luck all year long. Other sustain that burning slices of rump when the dande group leaves is good to make that moment even more solemn. Besides dande, there are other traditions and superstitions. Around 11.30 on December 31, the “mother” of the house usually sweeps the whole residence –never mind it's clean or filthy- in order to cast away the old spirits.
Aruba's national hero is Gilberto François Croes, widely known as Betico. This renowned politician fought for Aruba's independence from the Netherlands Antilles. He belonged to the People's Electoral Movement.
